BENEATH THE CULTURE PHOTO SERIES

BENEATH THE CULTURE PHOTO SERIES 2022

BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI

After researching the effects of the double consciousness, a term coined by W. E. B. Du Bois in his autoethnographic work, The Souls of Black Folk 1903, I felt inspired to uncover what Black Brits often feel when navigating their culture through adolescence.

Culture has substantial influence on our fashion choices and what we wear today. There is a particular standard in modern fashion, ruled by Western culture.

I connected with various Black Brits within the UK and fashion industry/scene, and took the thoughts and feelings of many regarding cultural assimilation and the double consciousness to depict the different stages of them in art form using tryptychs.

This is Beneath the Culture.

DON’T LET GO

Many Black Brits experience a conflict of cultures due to the double consciousness of their dual nationalities. The tug of war resembles the struggles between Nigerian and British cultures.

The dispersion of dollars represents the similarities between the two politically due to the transatlantic slave trade dating back to the 15th century. Remaining connected with your roots should be an essential part of cross cultures however, those with more than one can often experience a disconnect as they grow shadowed by Western society.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA ODULATE CREATIVE DIRECTION & STYLING BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI SET DESIGN BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI

DECODING THE SEQUENCE

The Matrix themes are used to showcase the choice between awakening one’s knowledge to Black history and the oppression Black Brits experience within the media and education system. By taking the red pill many of us can educate ourselves on the life changing truths of our ancestors and exisiting battles or remain in contented ignorance to this by taking the blue pill.

The styling in this shoot is also reminiscent of the clothing of the Black Panthers, a black nationalist organisation which was influential in the African American community in the 1960s and 70s. This also emphasises the journey of intellectual awakening and historical education that the black diaspora must embark on to discover their true identities.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI CREATIVE DIRECTION BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI LIGHTING BY OLA ADEDIJI

BETTER TOGETHER THAN APART

Finding common ground between both cultures is what ‘Better Together than Apart sheds light on. Especially within art, we often pull inspiration from our upbringing and culture. There is culture to be found wherever you come from. Living with a double consciousness does not have to rule this.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAKENYA HOLNESS CREATIVE DIRECTION AND STYLING BY RACHAEL ADEWUNMI WIND SCULPTURE BY YINKA SHONIBARE CBE, RA

Photo Series curated by Rachael Adewunmi.

Special thanks to Roua Ali Ola Adediji Joshua Odulate Elizabeth Yemi-Omowumi Takenya Holness Shaheim Malaki

+ all participating interviewees and models